1951 Porsche 356 Pre-A

From 1949, the time the Porsche 356 Pre-A was launched, to when it was discontinued in 1965, more than 76000 units would roll off the factory floor. While all Porsche 356 models are considered highly collectable, perhaps the most loved and cherished are the early 356 models known as the Porsche 356 Pre-A. Pre-A is not an official factory designation but rather a convenient way to differentiate the models that came before the release of the Porsche 356A in 1956. While the Pre-A and 356A look relatively similar, the 2-piece windshield of the 1951 Porsche 356 Pre-A can distinguish it from the later models. After 1955, the Porsche 356 would feature a bent windshield with 1 piece of glass.

Looking to purchase a Classic Porsche?

The upside to purchasing a Porsche 356 Pre-A is that their mechanics are generally long lived, although you should always check for good oil pressure and excessive smoke on models you’re considering with intact engines. The downside of purchasing an early Porsche 356 Pre-A is that these cars can be riddled with rust and body panels can be expensive to repair, so you’ll definitely want to check them thoroughly.